Fred and I slowly lowered Sam. The samurai grabbed the dark blue package roughly out of Sam’s shaking hands. More pointing with his sword and Japanese shouts moved the three of us into a line. “He’s going to try to take all three of our heads off in one swipe,” said Sam. “Let’s make a grab for The Book and open it really fast,” said Fred. “We’ll never make it against a real samurai,” I said. “Joe,” said Sam. “Our only hope is a magic trick—quick.” The samurai put the package down behind him, keeping his eyes on us the whole time. He drew his sword slowly back. I knew I had one chance, and probably only one chance to come up with a particularly great trick. I thought of the magic book I was reading and what trick might impress a mad samurai. The Coin Vanish? I didn’t have a coin. The Red and Black Card Switch? I didn’t have cards. The Number Prediction? This guy wouldn’t understand a word I said. “Oogala boogala” (or something like that), said the samurai.
